Why Honeymoon in Tenerife
The main reason is the climate. Tenerife is known for spring-like weather all year, which makes it one of the few places in Europe where a November to March honeymoon can still include pool days and swims. The sea is cooler in winter, around the mid-60s Fahrenheit, but very swimmable on a sunny afternoon.
The landscapes are dramatic. You can drive from black sand beaches to pine forests and then to a volcanic plateau above the clouds in a single morning. The sky over Teide is among the clearest in the world, which is why major observatories sit on the mountain.
It also has excellent resorts. Several large luxury properties on the southwest coast offer kid-free areas, spa programs and sunset views across the channel to La Gomera.
When to Go
Tenerife works year round. October through May is the best time for a sunny escape, with highs in the low to mid 70s on the south coast and very little rain. This is also high season for European visitors, so book good hotels early for Christmas, New Year and February.
June through September is warmer, often in the 80s, with the sea at its warmest. It's busier with families in July and August, though the trade winds keep things comfortable.
The north is cloudier and greener than the south throughout the year. Teide can be cold and even snowy in winter. The cable car sometimes closes in high wind. Pack layers for a day on the mountain even if you're spending the rest of the trip by the pool.
Where to Stay
Most honeymooners choose the southwest coast, which has the sunniest weather and the best resorts. Costa Adeje is the upscale end of the south, with smart hotels, restaurants and calm beaches. Bahía del Duque is a resort designed like a Canarian village. Royal Hideaway Corales has a kid-free section that couples like.
Farther north up the coast, The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Guía de Isora sits on a clifftop with views to La Gomera, a beach below the cliffs and several restaurants.
For a more local feel, stay a night or two in the north. Rural hotels in La Orotava valley or near Garachico offer quiet gardens and historic houses. They make a nice contrast to the resort coast.
Romantic Things to Do
Take the Teide cable car up to around 11,700 feet for views across the Canary Islands. The cable car usually stops running before sunset, so linger afterward at one of the park's roadside viewpoints as the volcano casts its shadow across the clouds. Book a guided stargazing evening in the national park, where telescopes reveal planets and distant galaxies.
Join a whale watching trip from Los Cristianos or Puerto Colón to see the pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins that live in the channel year round. Choose a small boat operator with responsible practices.
Hike the Masca gorge, a steep and demanding descent through basalt walls to the sea, finishing with a boat ride to Los Gigantes. Take the ferry from Los Cristianos to La Gomera for a day in its misty laurel forests. Finish with dinner at a clifftop restaurant above the Los Gigantes cliffs.
Getting There and Around
There are no nonstop flights from the US to Tenerife. Connect through Madrid, about a two and a half to three hour flight, or through other European hubs. Most international flights land at Tenerife South, about 20 minutes from Costa Adeje. Tenerife North, near La Laguna, handles many domestic routes.
The Canary Islands are one hour behind mainland Spain, the same as London, which makes the jet lag slightly easier on the way back.
Rent a car for at least a few days. Roads to Teide and the north are winding but well signed. Plan your drive up the mountain for early morning, before tour buses arrive, or late afternoon for sunset. Ferries to La Gomera leave from Los Cristianos and take about 50 minutes.
Food and Drink
Canarian food is simple and full of flavor. Start with papas arrugadas, small wrinkled potatoes boiled in salty water, with red and green mojo sauces. Grilled fish, octopus and local goat cheese are staples of seaside restaurants.
In the north, look for guachinches, informal family wine houses that open seasonally to serve homemade wine and stews at very low prices. They're a fun local experience.
The island's volcanic soils produce distinctive wines from grapes like Listán Negro and Malvasía. Several wineries in the north offer tastings with views of Teide. Try gofio, a toasted grain flour used in many traditional dishes. Finish with bienmesabe, a sweet almond dessert. The resort coast also has several fine dining restaurants for a special night.
Honeymoon Tips
- Book the Teide cable car ahead and check the wind forecast.
- The summit trail requires an advance permit, now with a fee for visitors. Regulated trails can be capped daily.
- The Masca gorge must be booked online, with mandatory shared transport from Santiago del Teide. Private cars can't drop you at the trailhead.
- Bring warm layers for the mountain.
- The top cable car station sits at about 11,700 feet. Move slowly up there. The operator advises against the ride for pregnant travelers and anyone with heart or breathing problems.
- Choose a hotel in the southwest for the most sun.
- Rent a car for the north and Teide.
- Book the whale trip with an operator that follows responsible viewing rules.
- Pack a hat and strong sunscreen. The UV is intense this far south, even on days that feel mild.
